YOU CAN’T FOOL EU PARLIAMENT: MURIC TELLS NCEF

7^th June, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

YOU CAN’T FOOL EU PARLIAMENT: MURIC TELLS NCEF

The Northern Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) yesterday petitioned the European Parliament over President Buhari’s attendance of the summit of the Organisation of Islamic Conference and alleged Islamisation of Nigeria. NCEF also alleged that the president was not doing enough on the security challenges facing the country.

But the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has described the allegations as a compendium of lies from the pit of Jahannam. MURIC’s reaction was contained in a statement shared to the media by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Friday, 7^th June, 2019.

“NCEF’s allegations are a compendium of lies from the pit of Jahannam. They are frivolous, unfounded, imaginary, untenable and unacceptable. We have no modicum of doubt that their lies will come crashing down on them like a pack of cards when the EU Parliament investigates their allegations. NCEF cannot fool the EU Parliament.

“EU Parliament will find it interesting to know that Nigeria became a member of OIC back in 1969 when General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), a Christian, took Nigeria to the organization in observer status. Gowon is not a Muslim but he needed the organisation’s support for Nigeria during the civil war (1967 – 1971). Spain, Portugal and France were supporting Biafra and Gowon found it mandatory to rally the support of African countries through Nigeria’s membership of OIC.

“It will therefore become clear that joining OIC has nothing to do with Islamisation but another way of pursuing Nigeria’s national interest. Nigeria joined for political expediency and the regularization in 1986 was merely procedural.

“Just as Gowon used the instrumentality of Nigeria’s membership of OIC to secure victory for Nigeria in the civil war, President Buhari used his physical presence at the 2019 OIC summit to return home with two juicy take-aways, not for himself, not for Jubril of Sudan, not for the Fulanis, not even for Daura, but for his country, Nigeria. OIC pledged to support Nigeria’s war against terrorism and also to support Nigeria in completing the ongoing Second Niger Bridge project.

“It is therefore unfortunate that NCEF still has the audacity to accuse Buhari of not doing enough on security issues and for attending the OIC summit. How would Nigeria have secured the organisation’s support for its war against terrorism if Buhari had not attended the summit and tabled Nigeria’s challenges there?

“Again, is the Second Niger Bridge situated in Daura? Who benefits from its completion? Is it Buhari personally, the Fulanis as a race or Islam as a creed? NCEF petition to the EU Parliament as well as the criticisms of Ohaneze and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) are therefore a mark of ingratitude. But we are certain that the petition in particular is an exercise in futility. Those behind the petition should bury their heads in shame considering the economic and security gains realized from the summit.

“Nigeria’s security challenges did not start under Buhari. The Boko Haram phenomenon started in the Obasanjo days and grew worse under Jonathan. The insurgents effectively occupied 17 local governments as far back as 2014. It was Buhari’s frontal confrontation that reduced the hoodlums to a hit and run guerrilla unit today.

“Bombs were exploding on a daily basis in Jonathan’s days but it receded to a weekly and later, monthly affair under Buhari. It was because the global terrorist network knew that Boko Haram is dying that the Islamic State of West Africa has taken over. The Nigerian security agencies kill and arrest scores of kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals on a daily basis. Yet detractors claim that Buhari is not doing enough and NCEF thinks taking him to the EU Parliament is the solution. Where did they take Jonathan to when the North East was almost completely overrun under him? What kind of citizens drag their own country in the mud before foreigners? Nigerians are waiting to see how NCEF will succeed in its satanic mission.

“Concerning the allegation of Islamisation via the OIC, if Gowon, a Christian, took Nigeria to OIC (and he did) without Islamising Nigeria, if Obasanjo, also a Christian, attended OIC (and he did) without being Islamised, if Jonathan, another Christian, also attended OIC (and he did) without being Islamised, then this allegation is a mere tool constantly and indecently employed by professional blackmailers. Interestingly, it is used selectively, particularly when a Muslim is in power.

“We will not succumb to such cheap blackmail and we have no scintilla of doubt that the EU Parliament which is full of credible and intelligent democrats as well as other lovers of truth around the world will see through this gimmick. Do they even think the EU Parliament is made up of mischievous people like them? Do they think the rest of the world have not found out the truth about what is going on in Nigeria? They have merely exposed themselves for what they really are. Petitioning the EU Parliament with a document loaded with fabrications is petty, demeaning and unpatriotic.

“We are however miffed by the eagerness of our Christian neighbours to lie at will just to blackmail Muslim leaders. This clearly amplifies a major characteristic of the NCEF and its cohorts, namely, failure to practice the teachings of the scripture.

“One of the injunctions in the Ten Commandments says ‘Thou shall not lie’ (Exodus 20:16). Leviticus 19:11 says, ‘Do not steal, do not lie, do not deceive one another’. Proverbs 13:5 refers to liars as shameless people, ‘The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves’. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul advised them against telling lies, ‘Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices’ (Colossians 3:9 – 11)    

“We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore NCEF’s tantrums and continue his good work. Posterity will record him as the father of modern Nigeria, a nation that came out of the ruins of squandermania, moral debauchery, suicide-instilling roads and epileptic electricity to become one of the global best in transparency, probity, integrity and infrastructure.

“On a last note, we appreciate majority of Nigerian Christians who do not peddle or believe these diabolical lies. We reiterate that we are one with all righteous Christians who follow the teachings of Jesus (peace be upon him) to the letter. We appeal to Nigerians in general to seize the opportunity of Buhari’s credible leadership to join hands together with their Muslim neighbours in buiding a prosperous nation. We remind NCEF that it diminishes its corporate entity to run down its own country using unfounded allegations for parochial reasons. NCEF is advised to eschew lies. The world is now a global village. Therefore, NCEF cannot fool the EU Parliament”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,     

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

ID AL-FITRI MESSAGE: KIDNAPPING: USE CARROT AND STICK METHOD

4^th June, 2019

ID AL-FITRI MESSAGE:

KIDNAPPING: USE CARROT AND STICK METHOD

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advocated the use of carrot and stick method as a panacea to the scourge of kidnapping rampaging several parts of Nigeria. According to the human rights organization, security agencies should take the battle to the kidnappers while government should introduce welfare packages for the poor. This was contained in the Id Al-Fitr message issued by the Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Monday, 3^rd June, 2019.  

“It is high time we addressed the issue of kidnapping squarely. Our approach to it in this country is absolutely wrong. We surrender to kidnappers and pay ransom so easily. We don’t want to die because we are too materialistic. We have forgotten that life in this world is ephemeral.

“The criminals are enjoying it because they are having their way. While we subscribe to the theory that this is an uprising of the poor against the rich, I must affirm that the kidnappers in particular have gone too far. They went too far by failing to differentiate between the rich and the poor working-class people. They pick anybody and compel the extended families and friends to pool their hard-earned resources together in order to pay ransom. It is time for the government, politicians, the press and the good people of Nigeria to adopt the ‘O to gee’ slogan and confront kidnappers headlong.

“Mr. President must give the marching order to the heads of all security outfits to eliminate all known kidnappers’ camps and hideouts. He must give them a deadline for this assignment. They are to perform or get sacked. We are aware that our securitymen have not been able to storm the kidnappers’ camps for fear of killing some of the victims, not because they are afraid of the kidnappers.

“But that was when the objective was to rescue the victims. They must now be given a different order. Their new task must be to use every legitimate means to stop further kidnapping. ‘O to gee’. The kidnappers’ dens must be raided even when some victims are still there. These are the same victims they are using as human shield and they will continue to intimidate society as long as we are not ready to damn the consequences.

“This is where Nigerians must cooperate with the government. We must be prepared to make sacrifices. Unless we do this, the kidnappers will continue to pick us one after the other and make us pay through our noses until virtual every Nigerian has fallen victim. It is certain that some of the kidnapped victims may be killed while some will be rescued if the kidnappers’ dens are raided. But we just have to face this grim possibility.

“It is a war situation and casualties are expected on both sides. This is the sacrifice we have to make in order to liberate ourselves. Freedom is never free anywhere. It comes with a price. It is a time for politicians to come together and act like a single body of responsible and patriotic citizens. The blame game must stop. This has always been a disaster waiting to happen. Therefore, no political party should pull the wool over our eyes.

“We have seen how the opposition lambasted the ruling party for failing to stop killings and kidnappings but is the opposition better? History has proved that today’s opposition was worse when it was in power. We must take recourse to history because today was born from the wombs of yesterday. Boko Haram festered under the opposition and 17 local governments were occupied in Borno State alone. The Chibok girls were also kidnapped under the watch of the former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

“What did he do? Instead of giving the hoodlums a good fight, he shared out money meant for the purchase of arms to his campaign agents. A second term was more important to him than the safety of Nigerians. We would have been able to nip this security challenge in the bud long ago had he taken security issue very serious. But he did not. Yet his cronies have the temerity to blame the current administration.

“The same goes for the outgoing 8^th National Assembly (NASS) which refused to expedite action on the release of money meant to purchase special weapons to enhance security nationwide. Unfortunately Nigerians are victims of collective amnesia and it is only the government they are blaming today. They have forgotten the callous action of the NASS which deprived the Federal Government (FG) of the funds needed to purchase weapons. What we are saying in essence is that those who are blaming the current administration for the security challenge facing Nigeria are themselves to blame. They are the real culprits.

“However, the way forward is to take a collective action, stop the blame game, brace up like real men and storm the kidnappers’ camps. ‘O to gee’. If the words of William Shakespeare are true, that ‘Cowards die many times before their death, the valiant never taste of death but once’, then we must overcome our thanatophobia now and face reality.

“We are bound to lose some kidnap victims and rescue some if we storm the dens, but we would have given the kidnappers a run for their money. At the end of the day, Nigerians would have been liberated from the clutches of kidnappers, from fear of the unknown and from thanatophobia.

“This is where the understanding and cooperation of the citizens, the politicians and the press are most crucial. We must all see the raids on kidnappers’ dens as a collective decision and accept the outcome. It is the price we have to pay for our freedom of movement and our Allah-given fundamental right to live. Liberty is never gotten on a platter of gold. There is always a price. Civilised society must be prepared to stand firm against criminals. We must also be ready to make sacrifices in order to stop the onslaught.

“Once we take this action, the kidnappers will now see that they face a determined and organized opposition. Those who survive the raids among them will realise that it is no longer business as usual. Nobody wants to die, including kidnappers and armed robbers. They do not like resistance because they want to live to enjoy their booty.

“This is what we must do as a people. There is a role for government to play, a task for politicians, a duty for the press and a part for the citizens. To overcome our security challenge is a task that must be done. But we all must live up to our parts of the task. We must not expect any abracadabra from the government if we fail to play our own parts.

“We therefore call on FG to change the game plan now by taking the battle to the kidnappers. Politicians in all parties, the press and the citizenry must give government their support. In particular, the payment of ransom must be discouraged as it has fueled the kidnap industry. The more you give kidnappers the more the rest of Nigerians are exposed to danger.  

“We all know that ransom payment is counter-productive but who will bell the cat? Who will speak the hard truth knowing fully well that he may be the next target. Kidnappers will continue to fleece us one by one until we realise the truth. Without being unmindful of the great risk involved, MURIC is determined to address issues affecting the Nigerian society as a whole, not just those affecting Muslims alone. It is our contribution to our country.

“Meanwhile we must realise that society has not been fair to the poor. This is the root of the problem. Government must address this root by adopting a stick and carrot method. Raid kidnappers’ camps. Rescue kidnapped victims. Deal with those who resist but rehabilitate those who surrender.

“However, government must introduce social welfare packages parri passu in order to assure criminally minded ones that there is an alternative to crime. We suggest payment of the old minimum wage (N18,000) for every unemployed Nigerian.

“Ceteris paribus, Nigeria is a blessed country and no Nigerian should go hungry. We have enough human and material resources but only 1% of the population has arrogated 85% of the total wealth to themselves, leaving just 15% for the remaining 99% of the population.

“This is why too many people are poor, too many people are hungry but a few people are stupendously rich. The poor people have now been pushed to the wall and they are fighting back. This is the casus belli of kidnapping, armed robbery and Boko Haram which are rampaging Nigeria today.

“We advise government to review its decision to revoke gun licences. Although we frown at the proliferation of guns, we believe that owners of gun licenses should be screened so that only decent and law-abiding people are allowed to own guns. Such law-abiding citizens deserve encouragement instead of being exposed to attacks by hoodlums. In fact, the indiscriminate withdrawal of gun licences will further boost the kidnap industry as the criminals will now realise that they are free to raid homes without the fear of any challenge.

“In our concluding remarks, we charge FG to change the game plan by giving the security agencies a marching order to raid kidnappers dens while politicians, the press and the citizens give government every necessary support. Government should also give unemployed Nigerians the old minimum wage to help them rubber-cushion the effect of joblessness. In addition, government should review the executive order on the revocation of gun licences.  

Professor Ishaq Akintola,                                        

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

OIC: CAN, OTHERS NEED ANTI-ISLAMOPHOBIA VACCINE

1^st June, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

OIC: CAN, OTHERS NEED ANTI-ISLAMOPHOBIA VACCINE

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday condemned President Muhammadu Buhari’s (PMB) presence at the summit of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). Two socio-cultural groups, Afenifere and Ohaneze also towed CAN’s line. In addition, ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo last week accused PMB of Fulanisation and Islamisation of Nigeria.

However, an Islamic human rights organization has debunked the allegations. According to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), those criticizing PMB for attending this year’s OIC summit are in urgent need of anti-Islamophobia vaccine.  

“It is pathological hatred. Those who are allergic to transparency, those who have phobia for due process, those who are ethnic bigots and those who are deeply entrenched in acrobatic religiousity are ganging up under the banner of gymnastic Islamophobia. The old order cometh again. CAN, Afenifere, Ohaneze are all Muslim-haters and what they need urgently is anti-Islamophobia vaccine.  

“Come to think of it. 53 heads of state out of the 57 member-states of the OIC are being expected at the summit and majority of them are not even Muslims. Why are they singling out PMB?

“MURIC will not hesitate to give proportionate response to any attack on Islam from any quarter no matter how highly positioned. Those who want to attack PMB’s government are free to do so. We may ignore them. But anyone who uses religion as a launching pad to attack any Muslim leader (not PMB alone) will have MURIC to contend with.

“That is where OBJ crossed the red line. He accused PMB of Fulanisation and Islamisation. We have no problem with the former because it is a mirage. Fulanisation exists only in the imagination of those who concocted it. In reality, Nigerians have either consciously or otherwise turned Fulanis into an endangered specie, pushed from pillar to post. However, the ex-president has just exposed himself as an ethnic jingoist.

“OBJ’s allegation of Islamisation is what we find strange and disturbing coming from a man with his record of accommodating Muslims, personally sponsoring Islamic projects (e.g. his presidential library in Abeokuta contains a mosque), patronising Islamic scholars for spiritual invocation and also organizing interfaith dialogue. So what informed the 360 degree turn-around?

“MURIC advises the present leadership of CAN not to start the old firebrand rivalry all over again. CAN should stop crying wolf where there is none. Neither should CAN continue to heat up the polity or whip up anti-Muslim sentiments. We invite CAN to peaceful coexistence. Let us live and let live. We were all here when ex-president Jonathan turned Jerusalem to Aso Rock’s backyard and the Muslims said nothing about it. CAN should eschew selective criticism.

MURIC did not spare Afenifere and Ohaneze both of whom it accused of hiding under socio-cultural identity to lauch a crusade.

“Afenifere has always been known as a group of deceptive crusaders in a socio-cultural cloak. The group has always pursued parochial agendum. It has always represented Christian interest alone whereas it claims to speak for the South West. No sane Nigerian takes Afenifere seriously these days.

The problem with other socio-cultural groups attacking Islam is that of mistaken priority. They turn their frustrations to Islam instead of addressing the challenges to the development of their regions and the welfare of their people. In particular, both Afenifere and Ohaneze parade the DNA of the nine lepers who failed to appreciate Jesus. The more PMB favours their region, the more they grow bitter.  

“As we round off, we appeal to OBJ to desist from attacking the institution of Islam. We call on all socio-cultural groups to concentrate on the development of their regions and the welfare of their people instead of dissipating energy on launching attacks on Muslims. We assure our Christian brothers and sisters of our willingness to live in peace with them. It is humanity that matters first, not a man’s religion. We charge Nigerians to ignore all irredentist individuals and groups. What Nigeria needs now is prayers, peace, unity and hard work”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

RIVERS, ZAMFARA OUTCOMES CONFIRM PMB’S INTEGRITY

29^th May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

RIVERS, ZAMFARA OUTCOMES CONFIRM PMB’S INTEGRITY

An Islamic human rights group has compared the noninterference stance of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) in the 2019 elections in Rivers and Zamfara states to the Federal-induced pressure in Ekiti and Rivers states in the Jonathanian period.       

In a public statement issued by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Wednesday, 29^th May, 2019, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) maintained that PMB exhibited the highest level of statesmanship and rubbed shoulders with leaders in advanced countries in transparency, probity and accountability as well as global best practices of democratic experience.

On the contrary, MURIC continued, PMB’s predecessor, ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ), flew the flag of an unrepentant fascist and a totalitarian dictator who was determined to drive the opposition underground. These conclusions were drawn by the human rights group while reviewing the attitude of both leaders vis a vis the opposition parties.

“Nigerians need to appreciate PMB as he begins the journey to his second term in office today. He deserves kudos for refusing to unleash Federal might on Rivers and Zamfara States during the 2019 general elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) virtually gave the two states to the opposition on a platter of gold but PMB looked the other way. Thus he adhered religiously to his policy of noninterference with other arms of government.

“PMB kept mum as INEC declared his ruling party persona non grata in the gubernatorial and house of assembly elections in those two states. Also, he made no attempt whatsoever to influence the decision of the Supreme Court which nullified the participation of the ruling party in Zamfara State a week ago.   

MURIC cast a retrospective glance at the way GEJ used Federal might in gubernatorial elections in his own days.

“On the contrary, comparing PMB to GEJ in democratic practices is like comparing the sun to candle light. GEJ used federal might to give undeserved victory to Ayodele Fayose in Ekiti in June 2014 and to Governor Nyesome Wike in May 2015. Equally relevant here is the open denial of the people’s will in Osun 2014 until former Governor Rauf Aregbesola went to court to seek redress.

“On 20^th November, 2014, GEJ sealed up the House of Representatives in a bid to impeach its speaker (Aminu Tambuwal) in the runup to the 2015 general elections. The lawmakers had to scale the gates to gain access into the hallowed chambers.  Security details attached to ex-governors Amaechi, Kwankwaso and ex-Speaker Tambuwal were withdrawn. For several weeks, the Emir of Kano had to seek refuge in the state government’s house.  

“As if that was not enough, GEJ grounded Amaechi’s plane and prevented sitting governors from reaching their destinations where they intended to support their colleagues during elections.  

“It is obvious from the above that PMB is strengthening the system, particularly the judiciary and the electoral body, INEC. Democracy is gaining weight and Nigeria is earning more respect in the comity of nations. He may have appeared weak and fragile for refusing to flex federal muscle when it mattered, but the system benefits more. This is exactly what Nigeria needs at this point in time. Stronger personalities and weaker institutions have been our albatross, but today the picture is different under PMB.

“The true democrat has arrived. The facts are emerging not only in the fight against corruption but in strict compliance with due process, respect for the rule of law and noninterference in the workings of other arms of government. PMB is building a new Nigeria. His name will be written in letters of gold when the history of the emergence of modern Nigeria is chronicled.

“As we draw the curtain, we affirm clearly, categorically and unequivocally that PMB has exhibited the highest level of statesmanship. He has rubbed shoulders with leaders of advanced countries in transparency, probity and accountability as well as in global best practices in governance. These are what have been missing hitherto in the Nigerian political culture.

 “Therefore, we call on Nigerians to give PMB unalloyed support during his second term. We charge newly elected lawmakers across boards to develop the mien for patriotic politicking and an aggressive appetite for positive law-making. This is the only way to transform Nigeria to an El Dorado and bequeath an enduring democracy to future generations”.   

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

WITHDRAW RESTRICTIONS ON MEDIA: MURIC TELLS NASS

26^th May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

WITHDRAW RESTRICTIONS ON MEDIA: MURIC TELLS NASS

The National Assembly (NASS) recently announced stringent restrictions on the media. Among such restrictions are the voiding of accreditations, the imposition of strict rules for renewal and the need for a media house to prove that it circulates at least 40,000 copies daily.

Other new pre-requisites include evidence that a media outfit has a certificate of incorporation, that it belongs to a professional body or bodies for media organisations, that it has proof of membership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) backed by registration number and a code of certification from the National Library.

Reacting to the new guidelines, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) described them as tyrannical, anachronistic and vengeful. The Islamic human rights organization reacted via a press release issued by its Director, Ishaq Akintola, a professor of Islamic Studies on Sunday, 26^th May, 2019.

“It is the handiwork of a reactionary leadership whose failure has led to frustration. This leadership is venting its spleen on the press. These new regulations cannot stand. They are draconian. We say no to the harassment, intimidation and coercion of the press. It shows that the present NASS is in the hands of fake democrats, rebellious subjects and enemies of the Nigerian people. Freedom of the press is fundamental to the effective functioning of democracy and only dictators tamper with it.

“Those new guidelines are absolute bunkum, unrealistic, ludicrous and untenable. How can they expect a newspaper to provide evidence of selling 40,000 copies daily? How many of them buy newspapers on a daily basis? How many Nigerians buy newspapers in these days of infotech and social media. The truth is that they hate the media but they just cannot say so.

“But they are on a wild goose chase. We will not allow the muffling of the press because we know its value. The media is a separate arm of government. It is the fourth estate of the realm. They should learn from President Muhammadu Buhari who strictly follows a policy of noninterference with other arms of government.

“It is a manifestation of intolerance. They have something to hide. It is also symptomatic of bitter lawmakers. They are bitter because the press has boldly exposed many of the antics of the 8^th NASS. The press has exposed them as the worst NASS in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic experience.

“These restrictions portray the 8^th NASS as moving backwards towards the Stone Age while its counterparts in the rest of the civilized world consistently jet towards sophisticated democratic practices. What a pity!

“The new rules are anti-people because the press is the representative of the people. It is the voice of the voiceless. They are the ears and the eyes of the hoi polloi. The Nigerian people voted members of the NASS as their representatives. One of the major parameters of gauging a democracy is that the electorate should be kept abreast of the deliberations of their representatives. The media fills this lacuna. Therefore, placing restrictions on the press in the NASS falls short of this vital yardstick. It translates to an attempt at blindfolding the citizenry. 

MURIC calls for a quick repeal of those stringent rules. In the event that the current crop of lawmakers refuse to withdraw the draconian rules, the incoming NASS must repeal it immediately or get ready for a long-drawn battle with civil society. Those rules are designed to put the hands of the press in handcuffs. They are unacceptable.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

GEN ALKALI: NO HANKY-PANKY PLEASE

25^th May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

GEN ALKALI: NO HANKY-PANKY PLEASE

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has decried the shoddy manner in which the case of the gruesome murder of General Muhammad Idris Alkali (rtd) is being handled.

In a statement issued on Friday, 25^th May, 2019 by its Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the human rights outfit expressed the fear that the late general’s family as well as the Nigerian Muslim community may not get justice eventually.

It will be recalled that the car of Late General Muhammad Idris Alkali (rtd) who had been missing since 3^rd September 2018 was found at the bottom of the Dura-Du pond in Jos, Plateau State on 29^th September, 2018 after searching for two months. His body was later found in a deep well located in Dura on 3^rd November, 2018.

“There is no doubt that this was organized killing involving the Berom community. The melodrama acted out by Berom women who held a deceitful protest at the pond to dissuade the army from searching the site points to this fact.

“The Nigerian Police paraded nineteen (19) Berom suspects on television on 5^th November, 2018. They were all arraigned before Justice Daniel Longji at the High Court Number 5 in Jos, Plateau State. But seven (7) of them were granted bail on 17^th December, 2018.

“In our press statement dated 20^th December, 2018, we denounced the bail so speedily granted and described it as a miscarriage of justice and a judicial namby-pamby. Almost six months on, the case is still shrouded in terra incognito. The public is not aware of developments although our investigation has revealed that the next hearing of the case is 16^th June, 2019. Anyone who thinks the Alkali family and Nigerian Muslims have forgotten about this painful issue is living in self-denial.

“MURIC demands transparency in this case on the part of both the Nigerian Police and the Plateau State judiciary. There must be no attempt at sweeping the matter under the carpet. In particular, the police should clarify the number of those arrested and the number of those granted bail. Police should clear the conflicting figures. Exempli gratia, how many were arrested? Is it 19 or 28? How many were granted bail? Is it 7 or 20? The clarification should be given adequate publicity.

“In the same vein we charge the judiciary in Plateau State to conduct the case in the most professional manner and in accordance with the provisions laid down by the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC).

“We also call on the security agencies to fish out the sponsors of the killings as well as the remaining suspects. Nobody should trivialise this issue because it goes beyond General Alkali. Hundreds of Hausa-Fulani and Muslim travelers had disappeared in the same zone and at least four other cars were found alongside the late general’s own. It is also an established fact that there are several other ponds in the area. Those ponds are also suspected to contain several cars belonging to Hausa-Fulani and other Muslim victims of heartless and inhuman killings in the hands of the Beroms.

“Therefore, the sponsors of Berom killers must be named, arrested and prosecuted. We reiterate that the Plateau crisis will continue to defy solution until the big guns behind the killings are dealt with the same way their errand boys are treated. There must be no sacred cows in this case. This is a matter of serious national concern. Therefore, there should be no hanky-panky.

“We remind all stakeholders that new killings will start in that zone again unless the killers of General Alkali are brought to book. The killings have lasted this long because nobody had actually been punished in past killings. Others will hesitate to kill once they realise that there are dire consequences.

Finally, we appeal to the family of the Late General Muhammad Idris Alkali as well as Nigerian Muslims in general to patiently await the outcome of the case. We advise the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah as well as the Muslim Lawyers Association (MULAN) to dispatch at least two senior Muslim lawyers to attend and observe all sittings on the case until it is finally decided.     

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

LOOTERS MUST REPENT, REFUND & REFRAIN IN RAMADAN

21^st May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

LOOTERS MUST REPENT, REFUND & REFRAIN IN RAMADAN

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised people who corruptly enriched themselves to seek forgiveness before the end of Ramadan. The Islamic advocacy and human rights group spoke on Tuesday 21^st May, 2019 via a press release issued by its Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

According to MURIC, the process of securing forgiveness for looters involves genuine repentance by the looter, refunding the stolen money or property or diverting it to non-profit public use and finally, refraining from further stealing. The organization advised that looters should seize the opportunity in this month of Ramadan because it is the month of forgiveness.

“We advise looters to repent in this Ramadan because it is the month of forgiveness. The train of mercy is leaving now. Purchase your own ticket before the month ends. Ask Allah to forgive you and He will do so because He is a Merciful God.

“So we have brought the three R’s this Ramadan: Repent, Refund and Refrain. Looters are asked to repent. They must refund stolen funds after repenting and finally, they must refrain from further stealing after refunding what they stole.  

“Allah frowns on corruption because it is a cancerous tumor which must be removed from the anatomy of every society lest it spreads and consumes the whole. It is an established fact that no good surgeon will hesitate to amputate an infected part of the human body.

“As a religion which promotes human welfare, Islam seeks to create an egalitarian society where there is no palpably visible wide gap between the rich and the poor. This is where corruption and Islam stand poles apart. The former compartmentalizes society into the stupendously rich and the terribly poor whereas the latter seeks to raise the standard of living for all.

“This is why Islam forbids every man or woman from taking or receiving bribes and kickbacks or engaging in over-invoicing (Glorious Qur’an 2:188; 4:29-30). The Qur’an also condemns the accumulation of wealth (102:1-8; 104:1-9).

 “Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) condemned cheats, bribe-takers and looters. This is very clear in his numerous pronouncements on corruption. Examples are, ‘Whoever cheats us is not one of us.’ ‘The curse of Allah is on both the givers and takers of bribe.’ ‘Gifts accepted by public officers are ghuluul (i.e. ill-gotten gains).’

MURIC also spoke about the eschatological implication of corruption on looters.

“The Glorious Qur’an warns that those involved will be punished in al-Akhirah (the Hereafter), ‘They take usury and collect bribe even though it is forbidden. They devour people’s money wrongfully. Verily indeed We have prepared a grievous punishment for unbelievers’ (4:161).

In the hadith (sayings of the Prophet) ‘Any leader who dies as a cheat will never enter al-Jannah (Paradise).’He also said that any public official or businessman who steals the people’s common patrimony and uses it to purchase or build personal property will appear yawm al-Qiyamah (the Day of Ressurrection) carrying the stolen money, property or properties on his head. Stolen money will become reptiles right from the grave on the day a looter is buried. Snakes and scorpions will bite him ad infinitum until yawm al-Qiyamah! 

To avoid the travails of al-Akhirah, MURIC asked looters to seek forgiveness.

“Muslims are known to covet al-Jannah. All their acts of worship (Salat, Zakat, fasting in the month of Ramadan, pilgrimage to Makkah, etc) are for the sake of al-Jannah. Therefore, the issue must be very serious if they are told that they will be denied that same al-Jannah if they loot public funds regardless of whether or not they dutifully performed other acts of worship.

“The way out is to repent. Looters must repent before they die or they will burn in hell. Fast everyday of your life if you like. Go on pilgrimage every year if you so desire. Perform Umrah every month or bring the whole city of Makkah to your expansive hilltop mansion and underground palace. You will burn in Jahannam (hell fire) if you steal our common patrimony and you still fail to repent, refund and refrain.  

“MURIC did not say it. It came from the lips of Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet does not speak in vain because every single statement of his is divinely inspired (Qur’an 53:3-4 wa ma yantiq ‘anil hawaa, in huwa ilaa wahyun yuuhaa). You have only one option: repent. Repent before it is too late. Ramadan is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So do it now! You may never have another chance.

But the group also advised that seeking forgiveness may not be enough if those who looted public funds fail to return the stolen money.

“There is every chance that Allah will forgive looters if they manifest genuine remorse. That sincere remorse can only be exhibited by the looter if he surrenders the loot. We therefore advise looters who are seeking Allah’s forgiveness to surrender their loot after seeking forgiveness. There is double assurance that Allah will forgive because He is the Most Beneficient and the Most Merciful.

“Allah Himself says concerning this, ‘Say Oh my servants who have transgressed against their own souls, do not despair about the mercy of Allah because Allah forgives all sins. He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful’ (Qur’an 39:53).

The Islamic human rights organization also throws light on how looters can return stolen funds.

“Some looters may find it difficult to return stolen money. This may be out of fear of the law enforcement agencies. But they must remember that if anti-corruption agencies (EFCC or ICPC) does not sees them, Allah sees them. They cannot hide from Allah. He sees and knows everything. 

“Therefore, our advice is that any looter who finds it difficult to return stolen money to the government should use it for a project from which the public can benefit, e.g. build roads in communities, provide drinkable water for rural communities, build city halls, repair roofs and windows of public schools, build public libraries, theatres, laboratories in public institutions of learnings, universities, secondary schools, etc and maintain them.

“He can build public toilets in several cities and make arrangement for their maintenance. Members of the public must be able to use such toilets free of all charges. Allah’s reward will continue to go to him for so long as people get relief from using the toilets.

“School buses can be put on the road for free ride by students. You can build public eateries where two free meals per day can be provided for senior citizens (anyone above the age of 60) and the jobless. This will reduce criminal activities to a large extent because many youth go into crime due to hunger. You can institute an endowment that settles hospital bills for poor and helpless patients. You can also distribute wheel chairs and similar health facilities for the handicapped.  

 

“But there is a caveat here. In an attempt to return stolen funds through the provision of service to the public, looters should not invest the money in any venture that will fetch them money in return, e.g. building private universities where exorbitant fees will be charged.

“In the final analysis, forgiveness and al-Jannah will be guaranteed with the proviso that the looter does not continue stealing after seeking forgiveness and after returning the loot”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)